Legal Practitioner Challenges Oyo State Judicial Service Commission’s Composition

Bayo Akinlade, a prominent legal practitioner and convener of Fight Against Corruption, has formally addressed Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urging her to reject the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission’s recommendations for judicial appointments due to their alleged unconstitutional composition.

In a letter authored by his counsel, Monday Adjeh, Akinlade highlighted that the commission, as constituted by Governor Seyi Makinde, fails to comply with the constitutional requirements set out in sections 197, 198, and Part II, paragraph 5(f) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution. This provision mandates that the commission include two legal practitioners and two non-legal practitioners. However, Akinlade pointed out that the commission comprises only legal practitioners:
1. Mr. Kehinde Akinwumi, Esq
2. Mr. Lateef Adedigba, Esq
3. Mr. Wahab Adedigba, Esq
4. Mr. Tunji Ogunrinde, Esq

Akinlade expressed concern that this body has proceeded to recommend candidates for judicial appointments despite an ongoing suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1660/2023) challenging its composition, currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He called on the CJN not to acknowledge the commission’s recommendations until it complies with constitutional provisions, warning that doing so would legitimize an unconstitutional body and harm the judiciary’s credibility.